Correlation Between Horizontal and Vertical Skeletal Components in Dental Malocclusions Among the Jazan Population.

INTRODUCTION: The dentoskeletal morphology of various malocclusions has been analyzed in cephalometric studies. It is important to understand the vertical and horizontal components of orthodontic treatment. To provide accurate treatment, an orthodontist needs to understand the facial types of an individual. This study aims to evaluate a correlation between vertical and horizontal components of skeletal and dental malocclusion by assessing cephalometric radiographs of the population of Jazan province. METHODS: The cephalometric radiographs of 267 eligible participants were assessed digitally. Fourteen skeletal and dental parameters were used to evaluate the association. Reliability was checked with the intra-class coefficient. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Spearman's rho test. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Correlations were found between anterior facial height (AFH), posterior facial height (PFH), FH ratio (Jarabak ratio), upper incisor to NA (U1-NA), lower incisor to NB (L1-NB), and upper incisor to the palatal plane (U1/PP). In dental class I, AFH (N-Me) had a strong positive correlation with L1-NB (0.300), U1/PP (0.164), and L1/MP (0.215). In dental class II, AFH negatively correlated with U1-NA (-0.735) and positively correlated with L1-NB (0.292), L1/MP (0.085), and U1-NA. PFH (S-Go) positively correlated with L1-NB (0.525) in class I but negatively correlated in class II. However, a negative relation was observed between all the vertical and horizontal components in class III. CONCLUSION: This study suggests potential associations between vertical and horizontal components in developing skeletal and dental discrepancies.

Gender Dimorphism of Skeletal Measurements and Dental Angle Classification in Orthodontic Patients.

AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate gender dimorphism of the skeletal and dental angles and measurements among different types of malocclusions in the Population of Jizan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cephalometric data were retrieved from the archived records of 272 dental patients, comprising 134 males and 138 females. Skeletal and dental malocclusions in both the sub-groups were digitally studied. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The measurement reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to evaluate the difference in skeletal and dental parameters between genders. The Chi-square test was done to determine the difference in malocclusion patterns amongst the gender. RESULTS: Statistical significance was noted in dental malocclusion (p-value = 0.003) and facial height, with females having a steeper mandible plan than males. The Sella-nasion-Nasion-Vertical line angles were reported high in females with no statistical significance. Linear cephalometric values were measured higher in males than females, whereas angular values and facial height parameters were lower in females than male. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, it could be concluded that there is a prominent difference measured in facial profiles of males and females with higher facial height in males. Clinical significance and limitations: These clinical outcomes will help orthodontists to analyze the accurate base angles and points to draft proper treatment plans considering the variation in the profile of males and females.

The effect of clear aligners on speech: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of clear aligners on the speech of patients undergoing orthodontic therapy through a systematic review of the literature. Search methods and selection criteria: The protocol of this systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42021278694. An electronic search of the Scopus, Embase, Pubmed, and Web of Science databases was done for papers published between January 2000 till September 2021. Studies that evaluated speech difficulties in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with clear aligners using objective and subjective analyses were included. The evaluated primary outcome was speech difficulties. Secondary outcomes were time to adaptation and recovery from speech difficulties. Study quality was assessed based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Handbook guidelines and ROBINS-I tool. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-three articles were screened to identify seven studies (n = 332 patients) that assessed speech difficulty with aligners, of which two were randomized trials. Meta-analysis was not performed due to the heterogeneity in the study designs. Five studies compared speech difficulty with aligners to fixed appliances. Two studies showed a moderate risk of bias and five studies had a serious risk of bias. Level of evidence was downgraded to low due to the methodological insufficiencies and risk of bias in the studies. All seven studies reported that aligners could influence the clarity and delivery of speech, similar to fixed appliances. Various phonemes were affected including /s/,/z/,/zh/,/sh/,/th/,/ch/ on wearing aligners. Errors in articulation of consonants and sibilants were noted with lisping and speech impairment. These speech difficulties were temporary and most patients recovered in 7-14 days while few patients took 30-60 days to recover. CONCLUSION: The likelihood of speech difficulties appears high with clear aligners. However, patients adapt quickly and speech returns to normal. The results of this review must be interpreted with caution and more well-designed randomized trials examining long-term effects of aligners on speech are indicated. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Orthodontists should counsel patients opting for clear aligner treatment of the potential transient speech difficulties. REGISTRATION: The protocol for this systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42021278694.

Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The oral microbiological environment may be implicated in the corrosion of orthodontic metals. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment. METHODS: Sixty-nine orthodontic and 69 healthy non-orthodontic participants were enrolled in the study. Supragingival and subgingivaloral biofilm were collected and tested for the presence of SRB. The DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and 16sRNA Sanger sequencing method was performed from the SRB-positive samples. The sequenced PCR products were analysed and compared with databases to identify the bacterial genus. RESULTS: Amongst 69 orthodontic patients, characteristic black precipitates developed in 14, indicating the presence of iron sulfides which demonstrates the likelihood of SRB. Alternatively, 2 out of 69 showed the presence of SRB in healthy non-orthodontic participants (controls). Desulfovibrio spp was confirmed by analyses of 16sRNA sequencing, which revealed that the SRB prevalence was 20% in the examined participants with orthodontic appliances. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SRB was found to be significantly higher amongst orthodontic patients compared to non-orthodontic participants. Presence of stainless steel in the oral environment may have facilitated the colonisation of SRB.

In-Vitro Assessment of the Corrosion Potential of an Oral Strain of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria on Metallic Orthodontic Materials.

AIM: Orthodontic literature is scant when it comes to microbial corrosion. The oral prevalence of many bacteria which are capable of causing microbial corrosion is reported in the dental literature. The aim of this study is to experimentally determine the corrosive potential of an oral strain of Sulfate-reducing bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stainless steel (SS) bracket, stainless steel archwire, NiTi archwire, Titanium molybdenum (TMA) archwire, and titanium miniscrew were immersed in five media which included Artificial saliva (group I), Sulfate rich artificial saliva (group II), API agar medium specific for SRB (group III), AS + API medium+ bacterial strain (group IV), SRAS+ API medium+ bacterial strain (group V). The materials were then subjected to Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). RESULTS: Materials in groups I, II, and III did not show any surface changes whereas materials in groups IV and V which contained the bacteria showed surface changes which were erosive patches suggestive of corrosion. EDX analyses were in line with similar findings. CONCLUSION: This in vitro study suggested that the oral strain of Sulfate-reducing bacteria was able to induce corrosive changes in the experimental setup.

Evaluation of Orthodontic Mini-Implant Placement in the Maxillary Anterior Alveolar Region in 15 Patients by Cone Beam Computed Tomography at a Single Center in South India.

BACKGROUND In this study, we aimed to evaluate orthodontic mini-implant placement in the maxillary anterior alveolar region by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in 15 patients at a single center in South India. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 15 CBCT scans of orthodontic patients after completion of leveling and aligning stage were included. The thickness of labial alveolar bone, labio-palatal bone, and inter-radicular distance between the maxillary central incisors (U1-U1), maxillary central and lateral incisor (U1-U2), and maxillary lateral incisor and canine (U2-U3) at vertical levels 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm above the interdental cementoenamel junction were measured. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Tukey post hoc tests were done to assess the differences among the groups. An independent t test was done to analyze differences by sex. RESULTS The thickness of cortical bone in the labial region was higher in the U2-U3 site than in the U1-U1 site, at a height of 4 mm. Also, there was a significant difference between 4 mm and 8 mm heights in the U2-U3 region. No significant difference was noted in bone dimensions among men and women and in the labio-palatal bone thickness among the different sites. The inter-radicular distance was the highest between the U2-U3 site, while it was the lowest in the U1-U2 site. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this center showed that when CBCT was used to evaluate orthodontic mini-implant placement in the maxillary anterior alveolar region, the U2-U3 and U1-U1 locations at heights between 6 mm to 8 mm apical to the interdental cementoenamel junction were optimal for placement of the mini-implants.

Reliability of Frankfort Horizontal Plane with True Horizontal Plane in Cephalometric Measurements.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study is to determine reliability of true horizontal (TH) plane with Frankfort horizontal (FH) plane in cephalometric measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred lateral cephalograms were collected and traced using FACAD software, all cephalometric measurements which included FH plane as reference planes were used in this study. Cephalometric tracing was done with FH plane as reference plane and another set of measurements with TH plane as reference plane was done. Statistical tests were done using independent sample t-test (p <0.05). RESULTS: Results of an independent t-test revealed a statistically insignificant difference that was observed for all the parameters assessed (p <0.05). Both angular and linear measurements showed an insignificant difference between FH and TH. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, the results show that the FH plane is closest and as reliable as the TH plane. The variation of FH was least for all the parameters assessed.

Neural networks for classification of cervical vertebrae maturation: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of identification and/or classification of the stage of cervical vertebrae maturity on lateral cephalograms by neural networks as compared with the ground truth determined by human observers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Search results from four electronic databases (PubMed [MEDLINE], Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) were screened by two independent reviewers, and potentially relevant articles were chosen for full-text evaluation. Articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected for data extraction and methodologic assessment by the QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: The search identified 425 articles across the databases, from which 8 were selected for inclusion. Most publications concerned the development of the models with different input features. Performance of the systems was evaluated against the classifications performed by human observers. The accuracy of the models on the test data ranged from 50% to more than 90%. There were concerns in all studies regarding the risk of bias in the index test and the reference standards. Studies that compared models with other algorithms in machine learning showed better results using neural networks. CONCLUSIONS: Neural networks can detect and classify cervical vertebrae maturation stages on lateral cephalograms. However, further studies need to develop robust models using appropriate reference standards that can be generalized to external data.

Evaluation of Mesiodistal Root Angulation of Permanent Incisors, Canines, and First Pre-Molars by Orthopantomogram Dental Imaging Findings in 296 Children Aged 6-14 Years.

BACKGROUND Early pre-eruptive inclination changes of the first premolar (FP) and its associative changes with canine (C) inclination are important to predict canine impaction. This study aimed to evaluate the mesiodistal root angulation of permanent lateral incisors (LI), canines, and first molars by orthopantomogram dental imaging in 296 children ages 6-14 years at a single center in India. MATERIAL AND METHODS The total number of participants was 296, with equal numbers of boys and girls divided into 4 age groups: 6-8 years, 8-10 years, 10-12 years, and 12-14 years. Angles between lateral incisor, erupting canine, and first pre-premolar with midline were measured on an orthopantomogram (dental imaging which includes all the teeth with TMJ). The angle between the erupting C with LI and erupting C with FP was measured. Pearson's correlation was also evaluated between the movement of the erupting canine with lateral incisor and erupting canine with erupting first premolar. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the angular values of different age groups (P≤0.05). The movements between LI, C, and FP were moderately correlated boys and girls aged 6-12 years. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study showed that in boys and girls aged 6-14 years, eruption of the upper canine tooth was synchronized with eruption of the LI and FP.

Comparative assessment of the cell-surface antigens and gene expression profiles of the gingival tissue biomarkers in subjects with fixed functional and removable functional orthodontic appliances.

Background: This study aimed to examine the cellular components of the gingiva during orthodontic treatment with fixed and removable appliances. The cellular and molecular cues of pathologies of the gingival tissue associated with the use of different orthodontic appliances could be studied. Materials and methods: Tissue samples of gingiva were received from healthy patients undergoing gingivectomy for aesthetic purpose and from patients with fixed and removable functional orthodontic appliances undergoing gingivectomy for gingival overgrowth. The collected samples were stored in a sterile container with phosphate-buffered saline and to carry out further processes it was transported to the laboratory. Results: Cells positive for ECAD and NCAD were found to be increased in fixed appliances where as CD90 and CD105 positive cells showed no significant difference in all the three groups. CD24 and CD146 positive cells were increased significantly in removable and fixed than normal whereas CD133 positive cells were decreased in removable and fixed than normal. CD44 positive cells showed no noticeable change in all three groups. The gene expression levels of KRT5, SOX2, NANOG, and CXCL5 were found to be significantly increased in removable and fixed appliance groups. However, KRT8, CXCL10, and TIMP1 were increased only in fixed appliance group but CXCL10 showed decreased expression in removable appliance group. KRT6A, MYC, and MMP9 were decreased in fixed appliance group whereas MYC and MMP9 were increased in removable appliance group. KRT6A, KRT8, and TIMP1 showed no significant difference in removable appliance group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated essential roles of various genes, showing their contribution in regulating cell proliferation and migration in both the removable and fixed functional appliances.

Is Palatal Rugae Pattern a Reliable Tool for Personal Identification following Orthodontic Treatment? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: To qualitatively and quantitatively review the reliability of palatal rugae as a tool for personal identification following orthodontic treatment. METHODS: Cross-sectional retrospective studies assessing the accuracy of matching palatal rugae pattern pre- and post-orthodontic treatment were identified from PubMed and SCOPUS databases. The title and abstract of the articles identified in the search were screened for potential duplicates and relevancy to the topic of interest. The full text of the articles selected in the screening was analyzed using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quantitative analysis of the studies representing coherent data in terms of age and treatment choice was performed using RevMan software. RESULTS: Out of 64 screened articles, only 18 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. Out of these 18 articles, only 3 studies had data compatible with the quantitative analysis. Significant changes were noted in lateral first rugae in transverse bilateral direction (p = 0.02) and between second and third lateral rugae of the left side in the anteroposterior direction (p = 0.04). Despite the dimensional changes, observers in most studies were able to accurately (>90%) match the palatal rugae pre- and post-orthodontic treatment through visual observation. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of the visual matching, despite the significant dimensional changes, indicates that morphology could have potentially been the major matching factor. Thus, a combination of dimensional and morphological evaluation of the palatal rugae could potentially increase the accuracy of personal identification.

Dental age, agenesis, and morphological anomalies in individuals with Van der Woude syndrome and isolated cleft palate.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the differences between dental age and chronological age and dental anomalies in individuals with Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) and compare with non-syndromic cleft palate (NSCP) and non-cleft controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 204 oral panoramic radiographs (118 girls and 86 boys) consisting of 51 VWS patients (age x̅ = 8.17 ± 1.34 years), 51 NSCP patients (age x̅ = 8.09 ± 1.41 years), and 102 normative non-cleft children (age x̅ = 8.62 ± 1.24 years) were collected. Dental stages were assessed by the Demirjian method, with the local dental maturity index as reference. Dental anomalies including agenesis were investigated. Statistical differences were determined by One-way ANOVA and regression. Repeatability was calculated by an intra-class correlation test and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The difference between dental age and chronological age of the VWS group (0.12 years) and the NSCP group (0.09 years) was significantly lower than the non-cleft group (0.40 years) (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference between the VWS and NSCP groups (P = 0.885). Hypodontia was more prevalent in both the VWS group (37.25%, P = 0.0001) and the NSCP group (19.60%, P = 0.035) compared with the non-cleft group (5.88%). The odds for hypodontia in the VWS group were approximately double compared with the NSCP group. In VWS patients, the most commonly missing teeth were the permanent second premolars and the maxillary permanent laterals incisors. Peg-shaped teeth had a prevalence of 13.70% in VWS patients. CONCLUSIONS: In VWS and NSCP patients compared with non-cleft children, the difference in dental age compared with chronological age decreased. Hypodontia occurs at a high prevalence in VWS and NSCP patients compared with non-cleft children.

Evaluating the Effect of Denosumab in Preventing Anchorage Loss: A Split-mouth Randomized Controlled Trial.

AIM: The trial was focused on assessing the effect of Denosumab in preventing anchorage loss during en-masse anterior retraction and evaluating its effect on the retraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a split-mouth randomized controlled trial. Ten subjects were randomly allocated with equal probability for Denosumab and control interventions in the contralateral quadrants using computer-generated randomization sequence. During the start of retraction, Denosumab (5 mg/0.2 mL) and injectable sterile water were administered locally on the intervention and control sides, respectively. Lateral cephalograms taken during the start of retraction and later in the 3rd and 6th months into retraction were used to evaluate anchorage loss and retraction. Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test compared anchorage loss and retraction between the two groups in the maxilla and mandible. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test assessed the anchorage loss and retraction during the first and the second 3 months of retraction. RESULTS: In the maxilla, Denosumab was effective in preventing anchorage loss with a p-value of 0.001 whereas it was not effective in the mandible (p-value-0.172). A significant reduction in anchorage loss was observed with Denosumab in the second 3 months of retraction compared to the first 3 months. There was no significant difference in the retraction among both groups. CONCLUSION: Denosumab was effective in minimizing the anchorage loss in the maxilla without affecting the anterior retraction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Denosumab can be effectively used for reinforcing anchorage in the maxilla during en-masse anterior retraction.

Taurodontism in the first permanent molars in Van der Woude syndrome compared to isolated cleft palate.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse prevalence, pattern, and severity of taurodontism in individuals with Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) exhibiting cleft palate and compare with aged-matched non-syndromic cleft palate (NSCP) and non-cleft controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-eight dental panoramic tomographs (DPTs) (105 girls and 73 boys) consisting of 42 VWS patients (x¯=8.55±1.02 years), 42 NSCP patients (x¯=8.59±1.02 years), and 94 normative non-cleft children (x¯=8.79±1.16 years) were assessed and their first permanent molars evaluated. Measurement 3 of the taurodontism index developed by Shifman and Chanannel with the Tulensalo modification was used. Prevalence, pattern, and severity were compared between groups. Statistical differences were determined by one-way analysis of variance and Fisher test. Repeatability was calculated by Cohens Kappa test. RESULTS: The prevalence of taurodontic molars was 59.5% in VWS, 45.2% in NSCP, and 26.6% in non-cleft controls. The prevalence and severity of taurodontism in VWS and NSCP were significantly higher than in non-cleft children in all first permanent molars. There was no significant difference in prevalence and severity between VWS and NSCP. The odds for having taurodontism in the VWS group was approximately double compared to the NSCP group. Most of the taurodontic molars showed hypotaurodontism and taurodontism occurred bilaterally more frequently than unilaterally. CONCLUSION: This study shows a higher prevalence of taurodontism in VWS and NSCP. Most taurodontic molars are hypotaurodontic and most occur bilaterally.

Blepharocheilodontic (BCD) syndrome: New insights on craniofacial and dental features.

Blepharocheilodontic (BCD) syndrome is a rare condition characterized by bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), eyelid abnormalities, and oligodontia. Despite orofacial clefting and oligodontia being central features of the condition, detailed reports of dental and craniofacial characteristics are scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze the dental and craniofacial features in a group of patients with BCD syndrome (three of which were related). Cephalometric radiographic analyses were performed on BCD syndrome patients (all radiographs taken at age 8 years) and compared to 40 randomly selected age-matched controls (20 non-syndromic BCLP, 20 non-cleft). Also, we assessed clinical records, photographs, dental study casts, and dental radiographs to determine the extent and pattern of tooth agenesis, dental morphology and malocclusion. BCD syndrome patients showed a very severe skeletal III malocclusion (maxillary-mandibular sagittal discrepancy) and reduced anterior lower face measurement compared to non-syndromic BCLP and non-cleft controls (P = 0.001, P = 0.027). All patients exhibited oligodontia (mean number of missing permanent teeth 13.7, range 7-17). All patients exhibited missing upper central and lateral incisor, upper canine and premolar teeth. Variations in dental morphology included taurodontism, conical-shaped teeth, and notching of the incisal edges. All patients had a short and narrow maxilla which translated into anterior and posterior cross bites. We conclude that, in our BCD syndrome group, the craniofacial skeletal defects are more severe than patients with BCLP. The pattern of tooth agenesis is unusual as it included teeth that are normally highly resistant to agenesis, namely upper central incisor and canine teeth. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.